HVAC-Integrated Oil Diffuser for Multi-Room Fragrance Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current oil diffuser systems are limited to a single room and fragrance, requiring multiple units for multi-room coverage and manual fragrance switching, lacking customizable remote control and air flow detection.

Innovation Solution

An integrated oil diffuser system with an HVAC system that includes air flow detection, oil level sensors, motion detection, and mobile app control, allowing for simultaneous fragrance options and remote regulation, with an air sensor to distribute the fragrance mixture through ductwork to multiple rooms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If multiple wall plug-in diffusers are used to cover multiple rooms, then fragrance coverage area is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance coverage areaVSAvoidnumber of diffuser units
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the multi-room fragrance distribution function into segments: the central HVAC system handles air distribution through ducts, while individual diffusers in each room handle local fragrance release. This allows a single controlled unit to coordinate multiple fragrance sources, reducing the need for fully independent diffusers in each room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The HVAC system is given a dual function: its existing air distribution function plus a new fragrance distribution function. By integrating fragrance diffusers with the HVAC infrastructure, the system uses the already-present ductwork and airflow mechanisms to distribute fragrance across multiple rooms, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fragrance distribution infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fragrance switching is implemented manually by interchanging oil cartridges, then fragrance variety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance varietyVSAvoidfragrance switching operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated fragrance management where the control unit automatically selects and activates appropriate fragrance sources based on pre-set schedules, environmental sensors, or user preferences stored in memory. The system serves itself by managing fragrance variety without requiring manual cartridge interchange, as electronic control valves or solenoids automatically direct airflow to different fragrance reservoirs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The fragrance system transitions from static manual cartridge selection to dynamic automated control. The system can dynamically switch between different fragrance sources, adjust diffusion rates, and modify operation timing based on real-time conditions such as occupancy detection, time of day, or air quality sensors, all without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If individual diffusers are used in each room for independent control, then remote control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of controlled units
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The HVAC control system serves as an intermediary between the user and the fragrance distribution network. A single remote interface communicates with the central control unit, which then manages multiple diffusers throughout the building. This intermediary approach allows centralized control of multiple fragrance sources through one remote device, eliminating the need for individual remote controls at each location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control functions for multiple fragrance diffusers are merged into a single centralized control system. The HVAC control unit integrates scheduling, sensor data processing, and diffuser management into one unified system, allowing all fragrance distribution points to be managed through a single interface rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If industrial steel housing diffusers are used for wide area coverage, then fragrance distribution area is improved, but device size and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance distribution areaVSAvoiddiffuser unit size
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The fragrance diffuser components are nested within the existing HVAC infrastructure. Small diffuser units are installed within the HVAC duct system or integrated with existing air handling units, utilizing the building's existing mechanical infrastructure for distribution. This nesting approach enables wide-area fragrance distribution through the HVAC airflow network without requiring large standalone diffuser units in each room.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables efficient, multi-room fragrance distribution with customizable control and reduced user effort, conserving oil and enhancing user experience through auto-run modes and remote app regulation.

Implementation Method 1

an air sensor is configured to monitor the flow of air through the duct work

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow detection:

Implementation Method 2

Diffusers are used to diffuse essential oils into the air by one or more processes. The diffused oil may provide a desirable fragrance. Processes may include evaporative processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporative process: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

The system is configured to release an air mixture into the duct work when airflow is detected so as to emit that air mixture throughout a structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20240230122A9HVAC oil diffuser system
Publication Date: 2024.07.11 GHORMLEY JAMES
  • US20240230122A9 patent drawing
  • US20240230122A9 patent drawing
  • US20240230122A9 patent drawing

AI summary

A liquid diffuser system includes a housing with one or more electrical components configured to selectively release a singular air mixture from multiple atomized sources for dispersing throughout multiple individually distinct and separate rooms simultaneously. The system includes an air pump to collect and pressurize air for passage into multiple bottles, each of which contain a liquid for atomization and mixture with the air. A splitter is used to combine the air from each bottle into a singular air mixture for releasing to the environment. The system may also include an air sensor located within a duct of an HVAC system for dispersing the air into the duct work. The liquid diffuser system may include the HVAC system and duct work. The system may also be regulated through a remote electronic device.